A database of Missouri’s original land purchasers is now available online. Land purchases are shown from 1831 – 1969. This land was originally donated to the state by the federal government, with the proviso that it be sold to settlers for $1.25 per acre. Profits from the sales went to the state.

Noah Mast, my Great Great Great Grand Uncle (!) was one of those purchasers … in 1850 he bought 195 acres in Nodaway County for the princely sum of $244. This easy to use database is available here. You can order a copy of any land patents for a dollar and a self-addressed envelope with each request.

This picture of Noah is one of the oldest in our family collection; it’s from a tintype. Tintypes were commonly used circa 1860-1880.

Noah Mast, 1812 – 1897, gentleman farmer and owner of a comb later in life.

3 responses to “Missouri Land Patents”

My G,G,Grandfather, Lewis Rupard commenced land purchases in 1853 in Laclede Co, Mo. via Land Patents. His ranged from $1.00/ac for ” swampland” to $1.25/ac for ” school land”. My wife & I live on a 100+ acres of original property that has remained in my bloodline for 161 yrs.